Florida Homeowner’s Guide to Heat Pumps

Florida Homeowner’s Guide to Heat Pumps

There are many ways to heat a home in the South. From heat pumps to fireplaces, but Florida homeowners have many options – which one is best for your home? Perhaps you’ve heard of a heat pump, but could you tell it apart from a boiler or a furnace?

In this guide, you’ll learn all about heat pump systems. Discover how they work, what type of heat pump systems are available, and which heat pump system could work efficiently in your Florida home.

What Is A Heat Pump System?

Heat pump systems do not create heat, as furnaces and boilers do. Instead, they transfer heat from one area to another. Because they do not create heat, these systems use less energy than furnaces and boilers do.

In addition to heating, heat pump systems are also used to cool homes. They move heat out of the home to lower indoor temperatures. Heat pumps are used as a combination heating and cooling system, or in addition to conventional heating and cooling equipment.

Why heat pumps are a good choice in warm climates?

Since heat pumps move heat instead of using combustion to generate heat, they work best when outdoor temperatures stay above freezing (great for us in south florida). Any colder than that and it’s particularly difficult for a heat pump to warm your home. A heat pump also must dedicate energy to defrosting the unit if ice forms during operation. These factors make heat pumps most beneficial in warmer climates where freezing temperatures are rare.

Different types of heat pumps:

Air source heat pump: This is the most common type of heat pump. It transfers heat between indoor and outdoor air.

Geothermal heat pump: Higher efficiency is possible with a geothermal heat pump, which transfers heat from the ground or nearby water to and from your home.

Absorption heat pump: While mostly reserved for large-scale applications, an absorption heat pump can also work in a larger home. It’s powered by solar energy, geothermal-heated water or natural gas instead of electricity.

Mini-split heat pump:

This is a solution for homes or add-ons without ductwork. Reverse cycle chiller: Instead of heating and cooling air, this equipment heats and cools water.

All-climate heat pump:

This option is designed primarily for heating and is best for colder climates.

We know you have many choices and decisions to make and our indoor comfort air professionals can help answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Let our heating and cooling pros at Quality Control Air help you plan your upcoming heat pump installation – tell us more about your project and we will help you with the planning and installation.